With their gritty vocals and blues-rock edge, The Animals left an unforgettable mark on 1960s rock history. This page features five of their most recognizable hits — each adapted for acoustic guitar.
Whether you're drawn to the haunting chord progressions of The House of the Rising Sun or the raw energy of Boom Boom, these lessons will guide you through the rhythm patterns, chord shapes, and arrangement details needed to confidently play these classics.
All tutorials are demoed on acoustic and include helpful rhythm tips to match each track's unique feel.
Boom Boom was included on the 1965 album from The Animals called "Animal Tracks."The song was originally written and recorded by blues legend John Lee Hooker, and The Animals' version pays homage to the original while adding their own unique touch.
In The Animals'
version of "Boom Boom," Burdon sings about a woman who has left him, but
he can't seem to let go of his feelings for her.
Overall, "Boom Boom" is a classic blues rock track that showcases The Animals' talents as a band and Eric Burdon's powerful vocals.
I play this number with a capo 3rd fret in standard tuning. The chords here are D, F, G, A#, C and A with some lead required as you play some down strokes and a down up down up rhythm pattern as you move through the song.
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood is a classic song that was released by The Animals as a single in 1965 and appeared on their album "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." The song was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus and was originally recorded by Nina Simone in 1964.
"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" became one of The Animals' most popular and enduring hits, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Costello and Santa Esmeralda.
This number played with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning with picking for just the main riff. For rhythm you'll use a shuffle pattern while playing a riff, some down strokes in the verse and a down up stop up pattern as you move thru the chorus. For chords you'll play am Am, Dm, G, F, E7 and a C.
House of the Rising Sun is perhaps the most famous song recorded by The Animals. The song was released as a single in 1964 and quickly became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in the UK, US, and several other countries.
The
song is a traditional folk song that tells the story of a life gone
wrong in New Orleans, where a person must spend their life in a "house
of ill repute" called the Rising Sun.
The
Animals' version of "The House of the Rising Sun" is a powerful and
emotive rendition that features Eric Burdon's distinctive vocals and a
haunting organ riff that drives the song forward.
You can play this one in standard tuning with some lead required. I'm using a rake pattern blended with some arpeggio in the beginning and then I use a down down up down up down down down rhythm pattern with the chords Am, C, D, F and an E7.
It's My Life is a song recorded by The Animals that was released as a single in 1965 and later included on their album, "Animal Tracks." The song was written by Roger Atkins and Carl D'Errico and was originally recorded by the American band, The Animals.
"It's
My Life" was a departure from the bluesy sound that The Animals were
known for and showcased the band's ability to experiment with different
styles.
The
song has since become a classic of the rock genre and has been covered
by numerous artists over the years, including Bon Jovi and No Doubt.
Play this one with a capo 1st fret in standard tuning and some lead required. The chords here are G, Dm, C, B and an F. For rhythm play a down up down up along with down down up down up down up and in some places chop the rhythm mixed with some riffs.
River Deep, Mountain High was recorded by The Animals in 1968 for their album, "Love Is." The song was originally written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich and was famously recorded by Tina Turner in 1966.
The
Animals' version of "River Deep, Mountain High" features Eric Burdon's
powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section, with a wall of sound
production that was characteristic of Phil Spector's work.
Despite
its initial lack of commercial success, "River Deep, Mountain High" has
gone on to become one of the most beloved songs of the 1960s, with
numerous artists covering the track over the years.
This one I play with drop D tuning using a steady up and down fast pace for rhythm with some riffs. Some lead required with the chords D, G, A and C.
The Animals fused British Invasion sounds with American blues roots, creating timeless songs that still hold power today. Whether you’re strumming along to The House of the Rising Sun or tackling the vocal grit of Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, these guitar lessons offer an accessible entry point to their catalog.
If you enjoyed this collection, don’t forget to explore other 60s rock bands on the site — and keep your acoustic playing strong with these legendary hits.